The Labor enquirer., 1887-01-08
I'll E KNIGHTS or LABOR.
Preamble and Declaration Of Principles
Of THIS Great and Growing
Order, Of workingmen.

The alarming development and aggressive
ness Of great capltalistsand corporations, un-
less checked, will inevitably lead to the
pauperzation and hopeless degradation Of
the toiling masses. y !
1t Is imperative, II we desire 70 enjoy the
full blessings Of life, that q check be placed
upon unjust accumulation, and the power for
evil of aggregated wealth.
This much-desired object can be accom-
plished only by the united efforts Of those
who obey-the divine injunction, "In the
sweat OF thy face shalt thou eat bread"
| Therefore We have formed the Order of
Knights of Labor, for the purpose OF organiz-
ing and directing the power Of the industrial
masses, not as political party, for 1t is more
in 1t are crystalizsd sentiments and meas
ures for the benefit OF the whole people, but
It should be borne in mind, when exercising
the right Of suffrage, that most Of the objects
herein set forth can only be obtained through
legislation and that 1t is the duty of all to as
sIst In nominating and supporting with their
votes only such candidates as will pledge
their support to those measures, regardless OF
party. But no one shall, however, be COM
PEELED tovote with the majority, and calling
upon all who believe In securing "the greatest
good to the greatest number" to join and as.
| sist us, we declare to the world that our aims
/ are:
| Il To make Industrial and moral worth, not
wealth, the true standard of individual and
National greatness.
| III. To secure to the workers the full enjoy
. - ami NHoia nj
4 leisure ih which to develop their Intellectual
moral and social faculties: all Of the benefits
recreation and pleasures OF association; in q
word, To enable them TO share in the gains
and honorsof advancing civilization.
In order to secure these results, we demand
Of the STATE:
iii. The establishment Of Bureaus OF Labor
Statistics. that we may arrive at O correct
knowledge OF the educational, moral and Il
nancial condition OF the laboring masses.
w. That the public lands, the heritage o
the people, he reserved for actual settlers; no
another acre for railroads or speculators, ant
that all lands now held for speculative pur
poses be taxed 10 their full value.
~. The abrogation OF all laws that do no
bear equally upon capital and labor. and th
removal OF unjust technicalities, delays ant
determinations In the administration O
Justice.
vi. The adoption OF measures providin
for the health and safety Of those engaged II
mining, manufacturing and building indu,
! tries, and for naturalization 10 those engage
therein for injuries received through lack {
necessary safeguards. IN1
VII The recognition by Incorporation, {
trades, unions. orders, and such other associi
/ tions as may be organized by the workin
masses to improve their condition and prt
tect their rights.
VIII. The enactment Of laws 10 compt
corporations TO pas their employees -weekl!
in lawful money, for the labor Of the precet
, Ing week, and giving mechanics and laborel
first lien upon the product OF their labor
= the extent OF their full wages. ANY,
TX. The abolition OF the contract system o
National, state and Municipal works.
X x. The enactment Of laws providing for q
bitration between employers and employee
and to enforce the decision OF thearbitrator
xI. The prohibition by law Of the, emp'o!
ment OF children under Is years OF age
: workshops mines and factories.
7 XII. To prohibit the hiring out Of convi
labor. ..1
, XIII. That . graduated Income tax |
lsvieo- lif.
: And We demand at the hands Of CoxoRns
Y XIV. The establishment Of . National moi